Wind turbine



Aug. 7, 1951 w. E. RUSHING WIND TURBINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 11, 1946 INVENTOR.

WEI LEE. a E. Ru shin ZFORNE; S.

FIG. 1.

Aug. 7, 1951 w. E. RUSHING 2,563,279

WIND TURBINE Filed Jan. 11, 1946 3 Sheets$heet 2 Q NechanzcaZZ Wind 4 R028 Zable Ra 21128526 INVENTOR.

Wallace .Fiua hifig ATTORNEYS.

Aug. 7, 1951 Filed Jan. 11, 1946- W. E. RUSHING WIND TURBINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Wallace EulTLE ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 7, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE- WIND TURBINE Wallace E. Rushing, Christobal, Canal Zone Application January 11, 1946, Serial No. 640,524

9 Claims. 1

This invention relates to wind turbines.

'An important object of the invention is to provide a wind directing and deflecting housing of novel construction for a wind turbine, whereby a more efficient use is made of the wind available.

Another important object is to provide a novel housing for the impellers of a wind turbine.

Yet another object is to provide a wind turbine, including two sets of impellers, one set rotating contrawise to the other, and both contributing toward the total power developed.

Still another important object is to provide a wind turbine, including impellers of unusually large size, so that the turbine may be employed in the practical commercial development of power. This is made possible by so associating the impellers with the turbine housing that they are supported thereby against wind damage.

A major object is to provide novel mobile supports for the impellers of turbines.

Another major object is to dispense with complicated braces, struts and the like for turbine blades that must resist strong currents, and employ instead, movable supports at the outer ends of the impeller blades.

The novel turbine includes means for rotating the housing thereof, and means is provided to prevent tipping of the housing and associated structure, during such rotation.

Included is novel means for rotating the housing of the turbine so that all, a part, or substantially none of the wind available is employed. Thus, complicated shutters and their manipulators, are dispensed with, as are movable deflectors and the like.

Another object is to provide means for removing ice and snow accumulations from the novel impeller support means of the invention.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the following detailed description of the invention, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and in which drawings,

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the novel wind turbine with portions of the electric circuits shown diagrammatically.

Figure 2 is the induction end elevation of an impeller housing forming a part of the turbine.

Figure 3 is a vertical longitudinal section of the same housing.

Figure 4 is a top plan view of a turntable and associated structure forming a part of the turbine, with portions broken away in order to illustrate structure below the turntable.

Figure 5 is a top plan view of mechanically and wind-rotatable switch means showing, in dotted lines, mechanical operation thereof.

Figure 6 is a vertical section thereof.

Figure 7 is a view somewhat like Figure 5 and showing wind operation thereof in dotted lines.

Figure 8 is a top plan view of a wind operated switch means somewhat like that of Figures 5-7.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary transverse section through the lower portion of the housing of Figures 1-3, with heating elements diagrammatically shown.

Figure 10 is a wiring diagram of the wind turbine.

In the accompanying drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the novel wind turbine A includes an impeller housing 13, impellers or blades 0 within the housing B, means D to support the blades, gearing E and shafting F associated with the blades, a support G for the housing and shafting and for the means mentioned, control means H, and means J for removing snow and ice accumulations from portions of the means D.

At the outset it should be appreciated that what is contemplated is the provision, in the wind turbine A, of a large unit capable of furnishing power commercially.

As for the impeller housing B, shown more particularly in Figure 3, this is preferably an openended, metal cylinder or body portion 20 having a wall 2! defining a passageway 22, having a substantially like diameter from the induction or front end or mouth 23 of the cylinder to the eduction or rear end 24. These ends are, of course, open and, from them, project a skirt portion 25 of novel shape. The skirt portion 25, shown more particularly in Figures 1, 2 and 3, may be of metal and extends, from the end 23, outwardly by means of an arcuate section 26, which is outwardly convex, thence over the wall 2| toward the end 24 and joins the end 24 also by means of an arcuate section 21, which is outwardly convex. Among the novel features of this skirt portion 25 is that, while it is spaced from the wall 2|, it does not parallel this wall, but flares outwardly from the end 23 toward the end 24, so that the surface defined by the outwardly convex section 21 is larger than the opposite surface defined by the outwardly convex section 26. As will be seen in Figure 3 the sections 26 and 21 preferably join the wall 2i so that there are no shoulders to impede wind flow. The skirt portion 25 may be secured to the Wall 2| in any approved way, as by bolting or welding. Various openings in the wall 2| and skirt portion 25 will be described in connection with other parts of the assembly. From the above, it will be seen that the skirt portion 25 wholly envelops the periphery of the body portion 20 or wall 2 l.

The blades or impellers shown particularly in Figures 2 and'B, are preferably in two spacedapart sets 36 and 3 I, arranged and disposed within the housing B so one will rotate contrawise to the other. That is, the set 39 faces the mouth 23 and the set 3| faces the end 2 3. The boss 32', carrying the blade set 39, is fixed to a substan tially horizontally disposed shaft 33 extending to= ward the vertical center of the housing B and;

the boss 34 carrying the blade set 3! is "fixed to a substantially horizontally disposed shaft 35' also extending toward the vertical center of the housing B, with the axes of the shafts substantially in the same straight line. 1

The shafts 33. and 3.5. may be supported by portions of the .means D, including suitable sets of inner and outer struts 36. and 31., conventionally streamlined if desired. These struts, of course, aid in bracing the wall 2| and carry suitable bearings 38 for the shafts 33 and 3.5. There may be provided, too, a crossbrace. 39. extending horizontally from one inner strut 35 to the other inner outer strut 36 both spaced equal distances from the axes of rotation of the bosses 32 and 34. This additional support for the blades prevents buckling and twisting in high winds and frictional losses are so small that the added structure and weight are more than compensated for by the saving effected in the lowering of damage possibility to the blades and shut downs in order to effect'repairs'. g a

As sociate'd with the-shafts 33 and"34 is the gearing E shown in Figure 3 which includes, preferably, a pair of bevel gear wheels 55 one fixed to adjacent the inner end of shaft 33, the

" othe'rfixed to adjacent the inner end of shaft 35 and both meshing with a bevel gear wheel 56 fixed to a substantially vertically disposed shaft 5'! which extends downwardly through the bearing lllthrough suitable concentrically-disposed openings 58 and 59 in the wall 2| and skirt 25 and thence for operative connection with any u t le i e. pp rat mite. operathereby. 1 The support G, shown inoreparticularly in- Fig; ures l and 4, embodies a turntable 6,0, supported by suitable flanged wheels 6|. rolling; over; .0m'-' plementary upper and lower. rail sections 52. and 63, disposed as shown in Figure l sov that tipping of the turntable, Ellis preventedf Converge ing upwardly from the, turntable aresuitable tower members, including braces or struts, '64 which are suitably connected withtlie housing 13. Intermediate the turntable B6 and housing B may be a platform 65? with guard: railing, an

excess ladder 66 from theturntablefto, thev platthe bosses 32: and 34a Each roller 4! is provided ,l

set ofblades and extending. into the wall 2!.

Preferably the trackways are provided as fol,- lows: The cylinder or body portion 20 for economy in construction, may. be made. up of three sections with the edges of the sections smooth and the two edges of the intermediate section, together with the inner edges of the two outermost sections, spaced: from. the first-mentioned edges, and portions of the. inner faces. of two bands M- and- 45, welded or otherwise secured to the outer surface of thevvall 2i, and extend,- ing over these edges, constitute the trackways 42 and- :33. The rollers 41 rollover the vertical, paralleling faces of: thetrackways and are spaced from the bands 44 and 35. Thus, it will. be seen that there is provided novel support for the blades at locations where such support is generally neglected anddistortions or collapsing of the blades, even if of-large size and great length and urged by Winds ofgreat force, are minimized. However, it has been discovered that additional support is desirable and this is provided by the novel associationof the rollers 36 and circular tracks 41 and 38. A roller #36: is, preferably, carried by each blade C intermediate the boss and blade tip and, in the case of the roll- ,7

form 65 and from the platform tofthe housing B there being of course, suitablev hatchways. in the p r 63 n h s n Badjacent the. lad:- ders 56. The lower end of thefishaft 51; maybe journalled in a suitable step' bearing 6'!- below the turntable 6B, the latter beingfproyided with a suitable central opening for thissh'aftj I Carried, for exampla 'a-t the periphery of the turntable Gilare a plurality or preferably gearlike teeth 68, for a purpose laterdescribed inconnection with the control mean fHandJnore particularly with a gear heel; H0.

The control,. mea ns ispartlymechanical and partly electrical and shown moregparticularly in Figure l. Mounted upon but suitablyelectrically insulatedfrqm the shaft 51. are, three spaced.- apart slip rings '58, I I andl2 cqht'ihin'g'bdnduc tive material, this material ofeach being eh.- gaged by a fixed brush,,o ne} being electrically connected with a conductorjlfi, another with a conductor 74 and. the third Withfaconductor 75 which. extend, inany approyedjw'ay, to a remote control station, containing "a' suitable, electric switch It, as shownin Figure 1.0; with Whichthe conduc o s a e tr l onnebtedfo p nin and closing the circuits through theni.,Each ip i i als gaged, bra-secon fixe rush, one brush. bei gcan .erted; a: ondu t r .9., another brush. with, a conductcr 8 9 and the; third with. a conductor 81, all conductors. 1,9, attend 8| being supported as.byethehoriwntallyrdis posed boom 82 carried by; the platform; 55;. from which it juts. Alsosupportedbythe boom; 8; is a position controllmeans, such as: a; conventional type 13-2 position-controlz reversible elegytric motor :33 to whichitheconductors T19; Bflj l d 8 I. are. conventionally. -.connect e,d; Witha. suitable switch. 83a. interposed. Theamotor'aaghasxa shaft upon which a-.be.vel; gear-i14- is mounted. and; with its teeth. meshing. with thOSg-lfifi a seconibevel gear 85 mounted upon a preferably hollow shaft 86 which is journalled in the boom 82 and extends upwardly to an air switch means 81 including a vane 88 carried by the shaft 86. Normally the longitudinal axis of the vane 88 parallels the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 28 and is spaced from the cylinder a sufiicient distance so that eddy currents created by movements of the cylinder will not affect it. However, when the vane is rotated on its axis by the motor 83 it will cause changes in the angular position of the cylinder with respect to the direction of the wind and, consequently, change the volume of air passing, as wind, through the cylinder, whereby the extent of power developed by the impellers C may be controlled to fit requirements. By rotating the vane 88 to a position where its longitudinal axis is normal to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder (a rotation of 90), as when a storm is raging, the change in direction of the vane 88 will set up electro-mechanical operations whereby that the cylinder will be placed crosswise of the wind, as will be subsequently explained.

Referring to Figures 5, 6, and 7 it will be seen that the air switch means 81 is of novel construction. It includes the vane 88 which has a minor degree of oscillation upon the shaft 86, as shown in Figure 7, as by means of a pivot 89 fixed upon the upper end of the shaft 81. The vane 88, intermediate its pivot 89 and its tail 98, has a pair of transversely-extending arms 9| of electricity-conducting material, each carrying an electric contact 92, which contacts are, pref-' erably, connected to the ends of the arms, as by conventional metallic leaf springs. Connected with arms 9| is an electric conductor 93, as shown in Figure 10, for a purpose later detailed.

The contacts 92 are adapted to make contact as the vane 88 oscillates, with either of two fixed contacts 94 spaced a slight distance therefrom and carried by the arms 95 of a yoke 96 fixedly supported upon the hollow shaft 86. From one fixed contact 94 extends a conductor 91 and from the other fixed contact 94 extends a conductor 98. The conductors 93, 91 and 98 may extend through the shaft 86, and lead to three fixed contacts of a triple-pole, double-throw switch 99, actuated by a solenoid I33, as will be subsequently described.

Retraction coil springs I8I, under substantially like tension, may diverge from the vane 88, preferably adjacent its head, to the yoke 96 as shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7.

Associated with the assembly last described is air switch means I84, shown in Figure 8, including a vane I85 mounted upon a mast or support I86 for slight rotation thereon, such slight oscillations being substantially the same as the slight rotation described for vane 88. The mast I86 may be supported by any suitable portion of the structure so that it extends above the housing B and so that it moves therewith. Generally, the longitudinal axis of the vane I85 is normal to the longitudinal axis of the housing B and cylinder 28. The only independent movement of the vane I85 is the slight oscillations mentioned.

The vane I85 is preferably substantially like the vane 88, and has, intermediate its pivot I81 and tail I88, a pair of transversely-extending arms I89 of electric conducting material, each carrying an electric contact II8 which may be supported by conventional metallic leaf springs. Connected with the arms I89 is an electric conductor III for a purpose subsequently detailed.

These contacts II8 are adapted to make contact, as the vane I85 oscillates with either of two fixed contacts of the triple-pole, double-throw switch 99. From each of the three blades of the switch 99 extends a conductor. One blade H8 is adapted to close the circuit through either conductor 91 or H1 and a conductor II9 electrically connected, as bya brush, with a slip ring I28 mounted upon the shaft 51. Another blade I2I is adapted to close the circuit through either conductor 98 to H6 and a conductor I22 electrically connected, as by a brush, with a slip ring I23 also mounted upon the shaft 51. The third blade I24 is adapted to close the circuit through either conductor 93 and II I and a conductor I25 electrically connected, as by a brush, with a slip ring I26 mounted upon' the shaft 51.

The switch 99 is mounted upon any suitable portion of the structure, as the turntable 68.

From the slip ring I28, by means of a brush connection, a conductor I21 extends to one end of the windings of a solenoid I28. From the slip ring I23, by means of a brush connection, a conductor I29 extends to one end of the windings of another solenoid I38. From the slip ring I26, by means of a brush connection, a conductor I3I extends to the main line conductor I32.

The solenoids I28 and I38 have the other ends of their windings connected with a conductor I33 which is, in turn, connected with a main line conductor I34.

Solenoid I28 is adapted to actuate a threepole switch I35.- The three fixed contacts of this switch are connected with the main line conductors I32, I34 and I36 respectively as by leads I31, I38 and I39 respectively. From each blade of the three-pole switch I35 extends a conductor I48, MI and I42 as the case may be, and as shown in Figure 10.

From these three conductors I48, MI and I42 extend leads I43, I44 and I45 respectively, to the blades of another three-pole switch I46, actuated by the solenoid I38. The fixed contacts of this switch I 46 are connected, as by leads I41, I48 and I49, with the main line conductors I32, I36 and I34 respectively.

In addition to the slip rings described, there are two others mounted upon the shaft 51. One slip ring I58 is contacted by two spaced-apart brushes from which extend conductors IZiI and I 52 respectively. The conductor I5I extends to one end of the windings of a solenoid I33 vhich actuates the switch 99, while the conductor I52 extends to the main line conductor I38. The other slip ring I54, is contacted by two spacedapart brushes from Which extend conductors I 55 and I56 respectively. The conductor I55 extends to the other end of the windings of solenoid I33 and the conductor I56 extends to one contact of a normally-open trip switch I51 from the other contact of which a conductor I58 leads to the main line conductor I34. A manually-operated switch I59 is disposed in parallel with switch I51 so that manual closing of the circuit may be effected, since leads I68 and I6I extend from switch I59 and connect with conductors I56 and I 58 respectively.

attests Trip switch I51 which, as stated, normally open, is preferably mechanically closed by a gov'-' ernor means including a bevel gear I63 mounted upon the shaft 5T which meshes with a bevel gear I64 mounted upon a shaft I65 supportedyin any approved way,. by thertower structure, carrying a conventional centrifugal, balls-carrying governor I63, adapted as the balls thereof're'cede from the shaft N55 to close the switch I'EIasby contact with the'handle thereof.

Associated with the electrical means described is anadditional'. electro-mechanical assembly, in cluding a gear wheel Ilfl' the teeth of whichare adapted to mesh with the gear-like teeth 68"0f the turntable 6B. The gear wheel'is'rotated" by a suitable, means; as a. three-iphase'A. C; electric motor I'll, associated with a conventional magnetic brake I72 mounted to brake the: shaft of motor IlI. When the motor I.l I starts, this brake I72 releases, since it receives itsenergizillg current through leads I13 and I"I'4-, connected. with conductors I40 and MI respectively; connected across one phase of: the motor. When the current to the motor is" interrupted, the brake immediately brakes the motor shaft against rotation, which, of course, immediately stops rotation of the turntable 50: Conductors I46, I41 and I42 constitute the motor" irr-put circuit and, rotation reversal of the motor IlI is secured by transporting two of its phase wires. By referring to the wiring diagram, it will be seen that when one of the solenoids I28 or IE is, energized, the motor III will rotate in one direction and, when the other solenoid is energized, the motor will reverse, rotation. For example, closi'ng switch I45 by energizing solenoid I39; may cause clockwise rotation of the shaft of motor II-I-- andclosing switch I35 by energizing solenoid I28 may cause counter-clockwise rotation thereof. Conventional interlocking means between the two solenoids prevent closing of both switches I35 and I46" at the same time.

Before describing the means J; operation of the means; I-I, just described, will be explained. The vane 88 during its limited free rotation, as explained, closes circuits either through conduca tors 93 and 97 01"93 and 9B. In the event circuit between conductors 93 and 97 is, closed, there will be current now through switch blade II 8, conductor I-IQ; slip ring I20, conductor I21", windings of solenoid I28; to energize it, lead I33 and main line conductor I341 as; well as through blade I24, conductor I25, slip ring I26; conductor ISI and main line conductor I32. If the circuit is closed through conductors 93 and 98, the flow will be through blade I21, conductor I22, slip ring I23, conductor I29, windings of solenoid I38, lead I33; and main lineconductor I34, as well as through blade I24, conductor I25, slip ring I26, conductor I3-I' and main line conductor I32. When solenoid I 28 is energized, three-pole switch I35 will close so that there will be current flow through conductors I40, MI and I42 to the motor ITI for rotation thereof in one direction. When solenoid I30 is energized, threepole switch I46 will close and therewill be current fiow through conductors I43, I44 and I45, I45, MI and I42 to the motor ITI' for rotation in another direction.

Vane I05, as it rotates in the limitedfindependent degree stated; closes circuits either through conductors I I I and Ht or conductors HI and III In thefirstcaseythere will be flow through blade I I8, only if solenoid I5? has been energized to throw switch 99 from the position shown in the wiring diagram to a position where the blades H8, I2I and I24 are in circuit with conductors H5, III- and III. When so thrown, from conductor Iii flow will be through blade lZ i. The flow from conductor II? is, of course, through blade I25. Solenoid I33 is energized by closing the circuit either at trip switch-I51 or at manually-operated switch I59. Actuation of trip switch I5I is effected as follows: Switch I51 is normally open. As wind velocity increases and the blades 0 cause increased rotation of the shaft 5? as is obvious, when such velocity reaches a dangerous degree, the free ends of the'arms of the governor I will move away from the shaft IE5 and finally contact the switchhandle of switch I57 and cause it to move to a closed position. There will then be current flow through main line conductor I35, conductor I58, switch I51, conductor I56, slip ring I54, conduce tor I55, windings of solenoid I33, conductor I5-I-, slip ring, I58, conductor I52 and main line conductor I36.

As for the means J, shown particularly in Figures 9 and 10, for removing snow and ice accumulations from portions of the means D; that is, from. the trackways 42 and 43, this means may include electric heating elements let incorporated with the bands 44 and 45, in any approved way, to heat localized portions of them (asthe lowermost portions), with currentfed thereto by conductors {8i and I82 which are connected with main line conductors (with a switch I83 interposed), leading to brushes contacting slip rings Hi4 and I85, and with other. brushes and conductors 58% and i8? extending to these elements I86; In order to permit melted snow or ice, as well as rain water, to drain from the trackways Q2 and d3, drains I89 may be provided, leading from the bottoms of the trackways and through the skirt 25 to the exterior of the housing B;

The shape of the housing B, coupled with the specific disposition of the impellers C, is such that wind, rotating the set 30, for instance in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed; from the induction end or mouth 23, is deflected in a clockwise direction and the set SI- thereupon receives the impact of this deflected wind and rotates the set St in a clockwise direction, as viewed from the mouth 23.

As for the specific shape of the skirt portion 25, its function is to deflect the wind equally and gradually so as to cause a partial vacuum to the leeward of the housing B. By creating this low pressure area to the rear of the housing it follows that the air entering the cylinder will gain velocity as it rushes toward and. into the low pressure area caused by the skirt.

The wall. 2! of. the cylinder does not diverge nor converge toward either end of the cylindrical portion 20, and the impeller sets are positioned, preferably, well inwardly of its induction and eduction ends. Excessive turbulation is prevented thereby and maximum utilization is made of the wind entering the portion. 20;

The air switch. means m l is wholly a safety switch. It performs no useful function during normal operation and does not cl'osethe electric circuit until such a time as the velocity of the wind reaches a dangerous degree then, due to the increased rotation of the shaft 57, which causes the governor I66 to close switch I51, so that solenoid I33 willfbe energized" as stated, and result in arotation of the turntable 68, thus shifting the position of the housing B with respect to the direction of the wind.

It is apparent that, as long as the'vane 88 of switch means 81' parallels the direction of the wind, there will be no oscillations of .this vane sufficient to close either of the circuits in which it is interposed but, if the wind veers, the vane 88 will be caused to rotate thereby, and close one of the circuits and cause rotation of the turntable until the vane 88 again parallels the direction of the wind. Controlled rotation of the entirestructure of air switch 81 causes, as i now obvious, a shift of the housing B with respect to the wind, whereby the degree of power developed may be regulated.

Various changes may be made to the form of the invention herein shown and described without departing from the spirit of the invention or scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a wind turbine, an impeller housing, including an open-ended cylindrical body portion; an impeller, including a blade portion; means mounting said impeller for rotation within said body portion on an axis extending longitudinally of said body portion; and means to prevent collapse of said blade portion, including a circular trackway within said body portion, said trackway being disposed with its axis coincident with the axis of rotation of said impeller, the surface of said trackway facing the induction end of said body portion; and a roller rotatably secured to said blade portion and in contact with said surface.

2. In a wind turbine, an open-ended cylindrical body portion including an end section, a section of substantially the same diameter as said first section, and means securing said sections together in spaced apart, end-to-end relation, whereby a space is provided between said ends; an impeller means including a blade; means mounting said impeller means within said body portion for rotation on an axis extending longitudinally of said body portion; and means to prevent collapse of said blade portion, including a roller within said space, with its periphery in contact with said facing edge and provided with an axle secured to said blade portion.

3. In a wind turbine, an impeller housing, provided with an open-ended cylindrical body portion including an end section, a section next adjacent thereto and spaced therefrom and a hoop section in contact with the peripheries of said first two sections and overlaying the space between the facing edges of said first two sections; means securing said hoop section to the other sections; an impeller including a blade portion; means mounting said impeller to rotate on an axis extending longitudinally of said cylindrical body portion; and means to prevent collapse of said blade portion, including a roller within said space, with its periphery in contact with said facing edges and provided with an axle secured to said blade portion.

4. In a wind turbine, an impeller housing having eduction and induction ends; a wind turbine rotatably carried within said housing; means for rotating said housing on a substantially vertical axis, including an electric motor; and electro-mechanical means for selectively varying the degree of rotation of said housing so that said induction end will face the wind at various selected angles, including a vane at the induction end of said housing and normally disposed with its longitudinal axis paralleling the longitudinal axis of said housing, a pair of electric contacts carried by said vane, a pivot for said vane, a support for said pivot, a pair of arms disposed to either side of said vane, closely adjacent thereto and carried by said support, an electric contact carried by each arm and disposed within the path of travel of said first contacts upon oscillation of said vane on said pivot, a three-pole electric switch electrically connected with said contacts and said motor, and means to rotate said support.

5. In a wind turbine, an impeller housing having eduction and induction ends; impeller means within said housing; a shaft; means operatively connecting said shaft with said impeller means; means for rotating said housing on a substantially vertical axis, including an electric motor; and electro-mechanical means for selectively varying the degree of rotation of said housing so that said induction end will face the wind at various selected angles, including a vane at the induction end of said housing and normally disposed with its longitudinal axis paralleling the longitudinal axis of said housing, a pair of electric contacts carried by said vane, a pivot for said vane, a support for said pivot, a pair of arms disposed to either side of said vane, closely adjacent thereto and carried by said support, an electric contact carried by each arm and disposed within the path of travel of said first contacts upon oscillation of said vane on said pivot, a three-pole electric switch electrically connected with said contacts and said motor, an electric circuit, a trip electric switch in said circuit, a solenoid in said circuit, operatively connected with said three-pole witch, means operatively connected with said shaft to close said trip switch when said shaft reaches a predetermined rate of rotation; and means to ro tate said support.

6. In a wind turbine, an impeller housing having eduction and induction ends; impeller means within the housing; a shaft operatively connected with said impeller means; means for rotating said housing, including an electric motor; and electromechanical means for selectively varying the degree of rotation of said housing by said motor so that said induction end will face the wind at various selected angles, including a vane disposed at the induction end of said housing and normally extending longitudinally thereof, limiting means permitting limited oscillations of said vane; an electric circuit between said vane, limiting means and motor, means for selectively rotating said vane and limiting means, as a unit, and means operatively connected with said shaft to close said circuit when said shaft reache a predetermined rate of rotation.

7. In a wind turbine, an open-ended impeller housing; impeller means within said housing; a shaft operatively connected with said impeller means; rotating means for rotating said housing, including an electric motor; and means for causing operation of said rotating means to bring said housing broadside to the wind including a vane with its longitudinal axis normally normal to the longitudinal axis of said housing, a pivot for said vane, a support for said pivot, a rigid connection between said support and housing, arms carried by said support, closely adjacent said vane and disposed within the path of rotation of said vane on said pivot, an electric circuit between said vane and motor, a trip switch within said circuit and means operatively connected with said shaft to close said switch when said shaft reaches a predetermined rate of rotation.

8. In a wind turbine, an impeller housing, in-

eluding a1- cylindrical body portion provided with a circumferential: groove opening intoits inner face; an impeller blade, means mounting, said bladefor rotation within said body portion on an axisextending. longitudinally of said.- body por tion; means carried. by the free end of. said blade and: extending into said groove: to prevent collapse of said blade in a direction longitudinally at said. housing; and means to'- remove snow and ice from said groove including a heating element closely adjacent said groove,v said groove having openings at the lowermost portion of its circumference' communicating withthe exterior of said bod-y portion.

9. Inawind turbine, an impeller housing, provided with an open-endedcylindrical body por tion. including an. end"v section, a section next adjacent' thereto and spaced therefrom, and a hoop section in contact with the peripheries of saidfirst two sections and overlaying the space between. the facing edges of said first two sections; means securing said hoop section to the other sections; an impeller including a blade portion; means! mounting saidi-mpell'er to rotate on an axis extending longitudinally of said cylindrical. body portion;- meansto prevent collapse of saidblade portion; including aroller within said space, with its periphery in contact withsaid facing edges andprovided with an axle secured to said blade portion; and. means to drain liquids from said 12 space; including. the walls- 012 conduits extending through saidhoop and disposed at the-lowermost portion of said hoop-i WALLACE E. BUSHING.

REFERENGES CITED The following references are of record in. the file of this. patent;

UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date.

' 31,121 Holmes Jan. 15, 1861 157,347 Lowe --.1.-1; Aug. 31, 1.875 137,940 Wheeler Feb.v 13,, 1877 321,985 Leavitt July 14, 1885 500,877 Foulks July 4, 1893 555,806- Dol'sen Man 3, 1896 649,065 Martens May 8,. 1990 1,002,833 Giddings Sept. 12, 1911 1,311,193 Uecke Ju1y-29, 1919 1,491,688 Ford Apr. 22-, 1924 1,183,669 Oliver Dec. 2, 1930 2,017,961 Ferral Oct 22, 1935 2,153,055 Weissmann Apr. 4, 1.939

FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 168,108 Germany Mar. 10, 1906 4,959 France Sept. 30, 1935 (Addition to No. 330,141) 

